What Are the Dangers of Restylane?

Restylane is an injectable dermal filler containing hyaluronic acid in gel particles. It is FDA-approved for mid to deep injection to fill facial wrinkles and folds and is considered safe to use. A dermatologist or cosmetic or plastic surgeon can employ the different formulations of Restylane to achieve desired results during a non-surgical office visit. Restylane does not contain animal products and hyaluronic acid is absorbed by the body over time. As a sub-dermal injection, dangers from Restylane arise from injection site and depth and accurate placement of the dermal filler. Overcorrection is also not possible once injected.

Significance

Restylane is manufactured by Medicis Pharmaceuticals and it is approved by the FDA to correct deep wrinkles and folds. It contains hyaluronic acid in gel particles; Restylane formulations are available with different sizes of the gel particles to serve the physician’s needs. Hyaluronic acid is naturally produced by the body and serves to lubricate connective tissue. Over time, the body will absorb the hyaluronic acid and the added volume will subside. Since Restylane contains no animal products, it is considered safe to use, with minimal risk for allergies and disease transmission. Like other cosmetic procedures, the dangers of Restylane are dictated in the skill of your cosmetic or plastic surgeon and your well-being (self and pocket book).

Composition and Administration

Restylane consists of hyaluronic acid in gel particles. The formulations of Restylane differ only in the size of the gel particles; the composition is identical among the product line. Restylane is injected to add volume and bulk, filling in the wrinkles and folds to hide the signs of aging or to enhance facial features. Anesthesia is optional during the non-surgical office visit and placement varies, according to the desired results.

Pretreatment Considerations

Since Restylane does not contain animal products, allergy testing is not required. If you have sensitivity or multiple allergies, allergy testing should be considered. With all injections, bleeding, bruising and cardiovascular conditions in concert with the effects of current medications should be discussed with the physician. While most patients achieve their desired results in one treatment, additional treatment may be needed, and since the hyaluronic acid is absorbed by your body over time, continued treatment is optional. The cost for Restylane treatment is not covered by medical insurance, so the cost for multiple treatments compound over time—and this is dangerous to your pocket book.

Side Effects and Post-Treatment

The ingredients in Restylane and the anesthesia used can cause manageable reactions: itching, swelling and tenderness. Bruising, bleeding, pain and swelling at the injection site are common side effects treatable through medication and compresses. If Restylane has been injected too superficially, the gel particles can be seen as a bluish tinge under your skin. These subcutaneous particles can be squeezed out by your physician with a needle or blade. Improper placement, excess filler or large particle size cannot be corrected because the material will be absorbed over time.

Prudence

The innate dangers of Restylane are the same as other cosmetic procedures: Risks and benefits lie in the proficient hands of the skilled physician and in your good physical, emotional and financial health. No reported dangers—deaths or disabilities—have been reported from the product when properly administered.